Complex connector in component footprint of implantable medical device

ABSTRACT

At least one storage component, for example a capacitor or a battery, of an implantable medical device includes two perimeter surfaces. Linear extensions of the two perimeter surfaces define a zone. An electrical connector, which is coupled to the storage component and includes at least one connection point for electrically connecting the storage component with at least one other component within the medical device, is contained within the zone defined by the linear extensions of the two perimeter surfaces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An energy storage and delivery component for an implantable medicaldevice having an imbedded electrical connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the field of implantable medical devices, there exists a constantneed to reduce the space and volume requirements of each device whileincreasing the capabilities of the same device. Considerableimprovements in capability have occurred with developments in the powermanagement and electronics assemblies in such devices. Furtherdevelopments included shaping of components within the devices to permitimproved outer shaping of the devices.

One class of internal components of such devices is an energy storingand delivery component, such as a battery or capacitor. Again,improvements in the design of this class of component have resulted inreduced space and volume requirements while maintaining capabilities.Yet this area has overlooked the use of certain improvements to achievemore efficient manufacturing and packaging attributes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have identified methods and structure to permit the use ofcompound side shapes on the housings of energy storage and deliverydevices which enable flush mounting of improved electrical connectors.In one embodiment, a method is taught for assembling an electricalconnector with an energy storage and delivery component for use withinan implanted medical device. The method comprises the steps of providingan energy storage and delivery component that is shaped to connect withan embedded complex electrical connector. The embedded electricalconnector is sized to fit within a space formed within a notched zonedefined by linear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of the energystorage and delivery component. A metallic insert is stamped out of rawsheet stock and then metal plated with a conductive plating material. Aresinous connector portion is injection or cast molded with the metallicinsert forming an integrated electrical connector for use in theimplantable medical device, with said forming comprising creation ofchannel shaped wire-ways each sized to receive an un-insulatedelectrical wire connector from the energy storage and delivery devicecomponent. The electrical connector is then positioned into the notchedzone on the energy storage and delivery device, and either an insulatedor an un-insulated electrical wire then positioned into a wire-way.

In another embodiment, an implantable medical device having at least onecapacitor for storing and delivering electrical energy on demand isprovided. The at least one capacitor has a related connector forelectrically connecting the capacitor with at least one other componentwithin the device. The capacitor is shaped to connect with an embeddedelectrical connector which is sized to fit within a space formed withina zone defined by linear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of thecapacitor.

In another embodiment, an implantable cardiac defibrillation device isprovided which includes at least one flat capacitor for storing anddelivering electrical energy on demand. The capacitor has at least a 30Joule capacity; and the device has a volume of less than about 36 cubiccentimeters and a thickness of less than about 15 millimeters, althoughother configurations are also disclosed.

The capacitor also has a related connector for electrically connectingthe capacitor with at least one other component within the device. Thecapacitor is shaped to connect with the embedded electrical connectorthat is sized to fit within a space formed within a zone defined bylinear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of the capacitor.

In yet another embodiment, an implantable medical device electricalconnector is provided for connecting at least one energy storage anddelivery component to at least one other component within the device.The connector comprises a stamped metallic portion for providingelectrical connection between electrical connectors of an energy storageand delivery component and another component within the implantablemedical device. The connector also has an injection molded connectorportion formed in contact with the stamped metallic portion to provide aplurality of wire pathways shaped to receive electrical connectors fromat least one energy storage and delivery component. The wire pathwaysalso guide the energy storage and delivery component electricalconnectors into selective electrical contact with conductive portions ofthe stamped metallic portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art implantable medical device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a prior art implantable medical device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art implantable medical devicecomponent.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art implantable medical devicecomponent internal configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation partial cutaway view of a prior art componentwith protruding connection structure.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a prior art implantable medical deviceshowing substantial margin area between a component and the housing sidewall due to protruding connection structure.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a prior art connection scheme between aplurality of capacitors and another component in an implantable medicaldevice.

FIG. 8 is an exploded elevation view of an external stimulation leadconnection system for an implantable pulse generator.

FIG. 9 is plan view of a cover for a component according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover of a component according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of capacitor assembly accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a capacitor having at least one notchedzone according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the capacitor embodiment of FIG. 12shown with one embodiment of the connector.

FIG. 14 is a top partial cutaway view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the connectoraccording to the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the connector embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an assembled connector embodiment.

FIG. 19 is side elevation view of the connector of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a top plan schematic view of the polarity scheme of oneembodiment of a connector according to the invention.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the connector.

FIG. 23 is a section view taken along lines 23-23 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is a section view taken along lines 24-24 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 25 is a section view taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 26 is a section view taken along lines 26-26 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 27 is a section view taken along lines 27-27 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 28 is a section view taken along lines 28-28 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 29 is a section view taken along lines 29-29 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 30 is a section view taken along lines 30-30 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 31 is a perspective representation view of component packagingwithin an implantable medical device according to one of embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective representation view of component packagingwithin an implantable medical device according to one of embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various techniques have been attempted and utilized to reduce the volumeand improve the shape of implantable medical devices. In particular,those devices requiring discharge of high energy shocks such asimplantable cardioverters or defibrillators require considerableefficiencies in order to maintain the overall device weight and sizedimensions within commercial and medical tolerances. One area which hasbeen overlooked as a source of improved packaging is that of reducingthe margin area around subassemblies or components within suchimplantable medical devices. Rather it is quite common to have sizablepercentages of dead space or non-useful volume within component housingsand around the components themselves. Applicants have recognized thispackaging problem and have identified several ways of reducing this lostvolume while simultaneously decreasing the cost of assembling deviceswhich achieve these benefits. Applicants are able to efficiently designand assemble energy storage and delivery components which are shaped toreceive an embedded electrical connector placed within a zone defined bylinear extensions of two perimeter or housing side surfaces of theenergy storage and delivery device.

Examples in the prior art demonstrate part of the need for theseinnovations. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an implantable cardioverter 10which includes capacitors 13, a battery 16, and electronics assemblies19, 20. As shown, for example at arrows 22, a considerable percentage ofthe volume within the device housing 24 is not used, or is partiallyused for electrical connection structure 28 protruding from the outerperimeter footprint of components. FIG. 2 is a plan view of animplantable cardiac defibrillator 30. Again, as shown by protrudingelectrical connector 33, the result of such protrusions or extensionsbeyond the perimeter footprint of components creates considerableunusable space shown by arrows 35. This is partly due to the inabilityof device manufacturers to make components in an integrated manner andwith various shapes and sizes of components to accommodate and fitclosely around protruding electrical connections.

It is recognized that known energy storing and delivery components forimplantable medical devices, particularly capacitors, have a limitedarray of shapes. These include cylindrical, flat, semi-circle or roundedsemi-rectangle. Other shapes are shown for example in U.S. Pat. No.6,426,864, which includes that shape as depicted in capacitor 40 in FIG.3. FIG. 4 discloses a capacitor 45 internal configuration as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 6,191,931. That figure also shows a feed-through wire 47attached to anode tabs and designed for extending through and beyond acapacitor outer housing using a rigid plastic-encased sleeve 49. FIGS. 5and 6 illustrate an energy storage and delivery component 50, which inthis example is a capacitor, with protruding electrical connector 55.FIG. 6 shows the effect of a protruding electrical connector structurerequiring inefficient use of substantial side volume V₁ between thecomponent 50 and the device housing wall 58.

It is clear that there are undesirable packaging results of electricalconnector structure which protrude beyond a component periphery ornormal footprint within an implantable medical device. However, thereare further negative effects (including, for example, electricalshorting, reliability, and liability exposure) which occur when attemptsare made to use electrical connections that are loosely configured wiresor not properly insulated or protected wires. One example of this isshown in FIG. 7 in which capacitors 64 are connected via loose wireconnections 67 to an electrical assembly within an implantable cardiacdefibrillator (ICD) 70. Electrical connections of this type are oftenhand manufactured by one or more technicians, rather than by anautomated process operator (i.e., machine). This adds cost and mayinject loss of reliability into the manufacturing process. FIG. 8 showsan external connection for a pulse generator 70, having a headerlessdesign, aligned with the terminal end portion of a stimulating lead 72.The lead 72 has a connector 74 attached to the terminal end, wherein theconnector 74 is adapted for connection with the feed-through assembly 76of the pulse generator 70. An elastomeric boot 78 is sealingly engagedto the lead 72, whereby the boot may be slid over the lead to theterminal end of the lead, to thereby cover the connector 74. Theinvention of FIG. 8 relates to a connection of a stimulating lead forstimulating tissue to the external portion of a stimulation device. Thefigure not does relate to the connections or packaging betweencomponents within an implantable medical device.

What is needed to overcome these packaging concerns is an embeddedconnector block for use with an implantable medical device component,including, for example, an energy storage and delivery component, whichintegrates into a component footprint rather than adding to thefootprint. FIGS. 9-32 show embodiments of devices, components,assemblies, sub-assemblies and connectors which achieve this goal. FIG.9 is a plan view of a cover or housing 85 for a representativecomponent, which in this embodiment is a capacitor. The housing has aplurality of outer peripheral surfaces 89, 91, 93, 96, 99, 102 and 105.As compared with known capacitor covers/housings, housing 85 has atleast one additional surface in plan view. Actually, as compared toeither a rectangular or semi-circular housing (or other energy storageand delivery device sized for placement therein) the housing shown inFIG. 9 discloses a plurality of notched zones 110 formed within an areadefined by linear extensions (shown by dashed lines E₁ and E₂) ofperimeter surfaces of the housing 85 (or energy storage and deliverycomponent). An even smaller zone may be formed using linear extensionE₃, if desired. Each notched zone 110 is sized to receive a complexelectrical connector (shown and described later herein) which isdesigned for that zone, and said connector electrically connects atleast one energy storage and delivery component to other components orassemblies within an implantable medical device. Other surfaces may beshaped to receive other complex connectors as well within similarlycreated zones which also remain within the conventional shape orfootprint of the component. The creation of these zones virtuallyeliminates the protrusions and other problems shown in the prior artdevices, including all of those shown in FIGS. 1-8, and enables improvedpackaging through closer flush-mounting of components and efficient useof such novel complex connectors as shown and described herein.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a cover or housing 120for a capacitor, such as a flat capacitor, which is nominally shaped asa curved semi-circle having surfaces 123, 125. Notched zone 110 isformed by addition of surfaces 127, 129, and, optionally, surface 131.The use of a housing is to hold a capacitor assembly as shown in FIG.11, which is an exploded view of capacitor assembly 144. As shown,capacitor assembly 144 comprises at least one capacitor 150 (in thisembodiment there are two illustrated) and peripheral material includingfor example positioning or adhesive material 153 and insulation material155. In one embodiment, some or all of the peripheral material shown inFIG. 11 comprises an outer housing, and therefore the shape of thehousing substantially matches that of any underlying capacitor(s) 150.In other embodiments, a housing may comprise other material surroundingat least part of at least one capacitor having outer surfaces forming atleast one notched zone. The at least one notched zone is shaped toreceive a complex electrical connector external of the housing butwithin the extended natural footprint (i.e., embedded) of the capacitor(energy storage and delivery device) if the capacitor did not have theperipherally located notched zones formed by additional surfaces.

FIG. 11 also shows an embodiment of a complex electrical connector 180useful in combination with the formed notched zones described above. Itis to be understood that a complex electrical connector means astructure that is more robust than a simple jumper wire or other singlewire or single function electrical connection. In this embodiment,complex connector 180 is configured for attachment in zone 210 with atwo sided adhesive material 213, although other attachment structure ormethod may be useful-provided that the connector is not significantlydisplaced and protruded out of its zone. Referring again to FIGS. 10 and11, a goal of the notched zones is to enable placement of a certaininexpensive yet highly reliably manufactured electrical connector 180 ina notched zone so that the connector is not extending above surface 125or 225. In addition, as shown below, the unique placement andconfiguration of connector 180 optimizes the close engagement, virtuallyflush mounting, of other components with capacitor 150. In theseexamples, due to the length of surfaces 125, 225 and the elimination ofmargin area by such flush mounting, there is considerable savings involume for a device using this innovation.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a single capacitor 300, having a novelnotched zone 306 located immediately adjacent to the capacitorelectrical leads 309, 311 which extend from epoxy or other structure315. Zone 306 is bounded by the area within linear extensions of twoperimeter surfaces 321, 324 of the capacitor and at least one thirdsurface 328 of a perimeter portion 330 of the capacitor. Notched zone306 is designed to receive an embedded complex electrical connector 335,shown in use with a pair of similarly shaped capacitors 300 in FIGS. 13and 14.

FIG. 13 also shows an insulator material 338 placed around the peripheryof the combined capacitor hybrid assembly and connector. It is notedthat the insulator material includes cutout segments 340 which permitaccess to conductive pads for either testing or further connection withother components, assemblies, or sub-assemblies within the device. FIG.14 is a top view of the hybrid assembly with insulator 338 partiallyremoved to see the wire connections and the relative layout and sizingof the connector 335.

FIGS. 15-17 show different views of a connector 335, which in thisembodiment has four wire ways 350. It is understood that the inventionmay include connectors with a variety of wire way configurations.Connector 335 is preferably sized for integrated conformal fit within anotched zone of an associated component of an implantable medicaldevice. In the following descriptions, one or more capacitors areselected as representative examples of such a component although othertypes of components may benefit from use of such a connector and areconsidered within the scope of this invention. Also, although varioustechniques may be used to manufacture connector 335, a preferred methodallows dramatic cost savings other techniques. In one embodiment,electrical connector 335 is made with a stamped metallic portion 363 andan injection molded connector portion 367. It is also possible to use acast molded resin or epoxy. Generally, these materials are also referredto herein as either thermoplastic or thermoset materials. The stampedmetallic portion 363 provides electrical connection between electricalconnectors of the one internal component or assembly and anothercomponent or assembly within the implantable medical device. The stampedmetallic portion is preferably selected from a list of metals includingnickel, titanium, copper, aluminum, tantalum, niobium, platinum,platinum family or alloys, stainless steel, palladium, rhodium, or othercompatible conductive metals. In one preferred embodiment, stampedmetallic portion 363 comprises a common lead frame 370 and a pluralityof conductive stamping legs 374. In FIGS. 15-16, common lead frame 370has keying structure 376 for positioning the piece during the assemblyprocesses. The injection molded connector portion 367 is preferablyformed in contact with stamped metallic portion 363 to provide aplurality of wire pathways 350 shaped to receive electrical connectorsfrom at least one internal component or assembly and to guide theinternal component or assembly electrical connectors into selectiveelectrical contact with conductive pads 379 on the stamping legs 374.Accordingly, Applicants teach a method of assembling an electricalconnector to an energy storage and delivery component for use within animplanted medical device. The method comprises the steps of providing anenergy storage and delivery component that is shaped to connect with anembedded electrical connector that is sized to fit within a space formedwithin a notched zone defined by linear extensions of two perimetersurfaces of the energy storage and delivery component. First, a metallicinsert is stamped out of raw sheet stock and then metal plated with aconductive plating material. Next, injection molding is used to form andattach a resinous connector portion with the metallic insert to createan integrated electrical connector. Preferably, the connector portionresin is selected from a list of resins including polyetheramide,polyurethane, nylon and other moldable, high temperature dimensionallystable, high dielectrically constant electrical insulators, having ahigh flashpoint threshold and a high flow rate. The forming stepcomprises creation of the channel shaped wire-ways (and other functionalstructure) with each wire way sized to receive an un-insulatedelectrical wire connector from the energy storage and delivery devicecomponent, i.e. capacitor hybrid assembly. The electrical connector ispositioned in the notched zone on the energy storage and deliverydevice, and an un-insulated electrical wire is place into one or more ofthe wire-ways.

FIGS. 18-20 show top plan, side elevation and bottom plan views of aconnector 335, with the plurality of conductive stamping legs 374 eachhaving at least one conductive pad 382. In this embodiment, pads 382 areconfigured as exposed dedicated testing or shorting pads 384, resistancespot weld (RSW) pads 386 for connection of capacitor wires to connector335, and Lazar Ribbon Bond (LRB) pads 388 for connection points betweenthe associated capacitor hybrid assembly and another portion of theimplantable medical device internals. By referring to FIG. 21, apreferred and optimized polarity scheme is shown in relation to the topview of connector 335 in FIG. 18. As shown, the connector wire ways 350are arranged so that two wires 400, 402 connect to a common stamping leg409 and each of the two additional wires 413, 415 are split among thepositive and negative voltage stamping legs 418, 420. This facilitatesconverting four connection points from a two capacitor hybrid assembly429 into a three connection point arrangement for connection withanother portion of the implantable medical device at pads 388. Features445 on the bottom surface of the connector 335 are configured withsurfaces to permit improved holding during the molding operation. Thisfacilitates obtaining a flash free surface on the RSW pads 386 as wellas providing access to the bottom of pads 386 for opposed electroderesistance spot welding operations. It is understood that although RSWand LRB techniques are currently used to place certain conductive pads,the use of parallel gap welding (PGW), lazar welding, or othertechniques may be used for these connections.

FIGS. 15, 16, 18, and 22 show each wire way 350 separated by a fingerelement 464 formed by wall portions 466, including tapered or steppeddown portions 471. Finger elements 464 of the resinous material extendabove the height of the wire when it is placed in each wire way 350 andthereby isolates each wire and prevents wire-to-wire contact within theconnector. In preferred embodiments, the lengths of wire ways 350 aredesigned to receive wires which are cut to optimize automatic machineassembly and packaging within the wire ways. In one embodiment, eachwire way wall portion 466 comprises a resilient restriction 485 formedof a pair of opposing wall protrusions 487 shaped to allow a centeredpress fit of a wire into the wire way and to then resiliently hold thewire in proper place. Again, this facilitates the automatic, efficient,and reliable assembly of the components and the device.

Additional features are added to connector 335. For example, FIG. 17shows the stamped metallic portion having a breakaway groove 501 in alower surface 513 between the common lead frame and the stamping legs.That portion of upper surface 515 that is opposite breakaway groove isflat, i.e. without a groove, to assist in the clean break of thematerial. Also, breakaway groove 501 comprises wall portions 518 shapedto allow reliable separation of the common lead frame from the stampinglegs to eliminate any post-molding trim of the injection moldedconnector. Also, the wall portions 518 are arranged to direct theseparation of the common lead frame from the stamping legs at a locationinside an outer periphery of the connector to provide a flash freeshutoff at the groove locations.

Connector 335 is manufactured so that conductive pads 382 are configuredat different heights from a lower surface plan of the conductivestamping legs. This is shown in FIGS. 23-29, which correspond to theseveral sectional views of FIG. 18. The different heights are achievedin the stamping process and maintained with tooling in the moldingprocess. The different elevations allow the connecting wires from thecapacitor or other components to be routed over electrical pathways thatthe wires are not to be connected with without concern for shorting tothose pathways. Yet another improvement is shown in FIG. 30, in whichthe conductive pads 382 may have one or more anchor tab structures 592which extend into the conductive stamping legs and fix the location ofthe pads to facilitate automated assembly processes. Further reliabilityand innovation is achieved by use of a directional burr on the uppersurface 515 of the metallic portion of the connector to ensure propershutoffs during the injection molding processes.

FIGS. 23-25 and 29 show connector lower surface 513 formed with a curvedportion 552 leading up to upper surface 515, and shaped to conform to atleast one additional perimeter surface of an associated component,whether it is an energy storage and delivery component, a capacitor, abattery, or another component or assembly. This and other featuresdescribed herein enable advantageous use of an embedded electricalconnector that is sized and shaped to fit within a space defined bylinear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of a capacitor (or othercomponent/assembly) and by at least one additional perimeter surface ofthe capacitor (component/assembly) which forms a notched area. Thisallows another component within the device to be positioned in abuttingrelation to the capacitor (component/assembly) with the connectorintegrated between the two components without creating any marginbetween the other component and the associated component. FIG. 31illustrates this packaging configuration enabled by use of notched areaor zone 610. In this zone is a connector 335 shown electricallyconnected with component electrical wires 621, 623 and with pads 388connected to electrical leads of an abutting component 650. As shown atarrow 658, the packaging innovations of Applicants now permit placementof affected components in an implantable medical device in a relationwhich virtually eliminates the margin areas (which are common in knowndevices) around such components.

In addition to the considerable manufacturing efficiencies and costsavings which result from use of this invention, improved implantablemedical devices are enabled. For example, in one embodiment there isprovided at least one capacitor (or other energy storage and deliverycomponent) for storing and delivering electrical energy on demand thathas at least a 30 Joule capacity, a volume of less than about 36.5 cubiccentimeters and a thickness of less than about 14 millimeters. Inanother embodiment, the invention includes at least one capacitor forstoring and delivering electrical energy on demand which has at least a30 Joule capacity, a volume of less than about 33 cubic centimeters anda thickness of less than about 13.5 millimeters. A further embodimenthas at least one flat capacitor for storing and delivering electricalenergy on demand, and the capacitor has at least a 30 Joule capacity. Inthis embodiment the device has a volume of less than about 36 cubiccentimeters and a thickness of less than about 15 millimeters. In eachof these embodiments, the capacitor has a related connector forelectrically connecting the capacitor with at least one other componentwithin the device. The capacitors are shaped to connect with an embeddedelectrical connector that is sized to fit within a space formed within azone defined by linear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of thecapacitor.

Another way of expressing this invention is an implantable medicaldevice which has at least one internal component for energy storage anddelivery of a defibrillation shock to a user. The internal component hasa first energy storage and delivery capacity and a first volume, and theinternal component is shaped to connect with an embedded electricalconnector that is sized to fit within a space formed within a zonedefined by linear extensions of two perimeter surfaces of the internalcomponent. The first storage and delivery capacity is at least as greatas any other known energy storage and delivery internal component lessthan about 36 Joules, and the first volume is less than the volume ofany other identified energy storage and delivery internal componenthaving the identical energy storage and delivery capacity.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an energystorage and delivery component hybrid assembly 703 comprising aplurality of components 706. In this embodiment a notched or other shapeof a zone 710 is formed so as to permit shared central mounting of acomplex electrical connector 735 (shown schematically) within the zone.This, again, exemplifies one of the various shapes and sizes ofcomponent which are possible for use within the scope of this invention.

Thus, embodiments of a connector block in a component footprint of animplantable medical device are disclosed. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the present invention can be practiced with embodimentsother than those disclosed. For example, the connector block may beformed in an assembly of a plurality of sub-connector blocks. Thedisclosed embodiment are presented for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims thatfollow.

1. An implantable medical device comprising: a capacitor assemblycomprising at least two capacitors, each enclosed within a housing, saidhousings of said at least two capacitors each having perimeter surfacesthat, when assembled, establish a component footprint including anotched zone within an area defined by intersecting linear extensions ofat least two perimeter surfaces of each of the housings, and whereineach of the at least two capacitors of the capacitor assembly haselectrical leads adjacent the notched zone; and an electrical connectorblock coupled to the electrical leads and comprising one or moreconnection points for connection to another component within theimplantable medical device, the electrical connector block beingdisposed within the notched zone, the electrical connector block beingembedded within the component footprint in the area thereof defined bythe intersecting linear extensions of the at least two perimetersurfaces of the housings without any connection points of the electricalconnector block protruding beyond a boundary established by theintersecting linear extensions of the at least two perimeter surfaces,and wherein, within the notched zone, the electrical connector blockconnects at least one electrical lead of each of the at least twocapacitors in the capacitor assembly to a common connection point in theelectrical connector block.
 2. The device of claim 1 in which thecapacitor housings have a flat profile.
 3. The device of claim 1 whereinthe electrical connector block comprises a substantially flat injectionmolded component.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the substantiallyflat injection molded component comprises a stamped metal piece and aninjection molded portion, which form a connector with at least onewire-way shaped to receive and protect a bare metal wire connector froman associated capacitor, the stamped metal piece extending within theinjection molded portion and forming the one or more connection points.5. The device of claim 4, wherein the connector block comprises threeconnection points, and wherein the stamped metal piece of the electricalconnector includes three legs extending within the injection moldedportion, a first of the three legs forming a positive polarityconnection point, a second of the three legs forming a negative polarityconnection point, and a third of the three legs forming a commonconnection point.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the electricalconnector block comprises a stamped metal piece and an injection moldedthermoplastic or cast thermoset piece forming a connector with at leastfour wire-ways each shaped to receive and protect a bare metal wireconnector from an associated capacitor.
 7. The device of claim 6 inwhich the four wire-ways are arranged so that two of the four wire-waysconnect to a common electrical conductor on the stamped metal piece andeach of the other two of the four wire-ways are split among a positivevoltage electrical terminal and a negative voltage electrical terminalon the stamped metal piece.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein theelectrical connector block is sized so as to fit within a space formedwithin the notched zone and the device further comprising a batterypositioned in abutting relation to the capacitor assembly without theconnector block creating any margin between the capacitor assembly andthe battery.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the electrical connectorblock comprises means for providing dedicated test points includingexposed metal pads that are separate from wire connect points.
 10. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the capacitor assembly is adapted to store anddeliver electrical energy on demand, has at least a 30 Joule capacity,has a volume of less than about 36.5 cubic centimeters and has athickness of less than about 14 millimeters.
 11. An implantable medicaldevice, comprising: at least two capacitors for storing and deliveringelectrical energy on demand, the at least two capacitors havingelectrical leads and each being disposed within a housing, said housingof each capacitor having perimeter surfaces that, when assembled,establish a component footprint including a notched zone adjacent to thecapacitor electrical leads of each of the at least two capacitors andwithin an area defined by intersecting linear extensions of at least twoperimeter surfaces of the each of the housings; and an electricalconnector coupled to the capacitor housings and comprising one or moreconnection points, the one or more connection points of the electricalconnector electrically coupling the capacitor electrical leads with atleast one other component within the implantable medical device, theelectrical connector being sized to fit within a space formed by thenotched zone without any connection points of the electrical connectorprotruding beyond the component footprint, wherein, within the notchedzone, the electrical connector connects at least one electrical lead ofeach of the at least two capacitors to a common connection point in theelectrical connector.
 12. The device of claim 11 in which each of thecapacitors is of a flat profile.
 13. The device of claim 11 wherein theelectrical connector comprises a substantially flat injection moldedcomponent.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the substantially flatinjection molded component comprises a stamped metal piece and aninjection molded portion comprising a resinous piece, wherein theelectrical connector forms an electrical connection to at least onewire-way shaped to receive a bare metal wire conductor from thecapacitor, and wherein the stamped metal piece extends within theinjection molded portion to provide the one or more connection points ofthe electrical connector.
 15. The device of claim 14, in which the atleast one connection point comprises three connection points, and thestamped metal piece of the electrical connector includes three legsextending within the injection molded portion, a first of the three legsforming a positive polarity connection point, a second of the three legsforming in a negative polarity connection point, and a third of thethree legs forming a common connection point.
 16. The device of claim 11wherein the electrical connector comprises a stamped metal piece and aninjection molded resinous piece, the connector having at least fourwire-ways each shaped to receive a bare metal wire conductor from thecapacitor.
 17. The device of claim 16 in which the wire ways arearranged so that two wire ways connect to a common electrical connectoron the stamped metal piece and each of the two additional wire-ways aresplit among a positive voltage terminal on the stamped metal piece and anegative voltage terminal on the stamped metal piece.
 18. The device ofclaim 16 in which each wire way comprises a resilient restrictionportion adapted to be coupled to a wire by a centered press fit.
 19. Thedevice of claim 11 further comprising a battery positioned in abuttingrelation to the capacitor housings without the electrical connectorcreating any margin between the capacitor housings and the battery. 20.The device of claim 11 in which the connector comprises means forproviding dedicated test points including exposed metal pads that areseparate from wire connect points.
 21. The device of claim 11 whereinthe at least two capacitors combined have at least a 30 Joule capacity,a volume of less than about 33 cubic centimeters and a thickness of lessthan about 13.5 millimeters.
 22. An implantable medical devicecomprising: at least two capacitors for storing and deliveringelectrical energy on demand, the at least two capacitors havingelectrical leads and each being disposed within a housing, the housingof each capacitor having perimeter surfaces that, when assembled,establish a component footprint including a notched zone adjacent to thecapacitor electrical leads of each of the at least two capacitors andwithin an area defined by intersecting linear extensions of at least twoperimeter surfaces of each of the housings; and an electrical connectorcomprising one or more connection points and being disposed within thenotched zone of the component footprint, the one or more connectionpoints of the electrical connector electrically coupling the capacitorelectrical leads with at least one other component within theimplantable medical device, and the electrical connector comprising aninjection molded thermoplastic portion sized to fit within the notchedzone without any connection points of the electrical connectorprotruding beyond the component footprint, wherein, within the notchedzone, the electrical connector connects at least one electrical lead ofeach of the at least two capacitors to a common connection point in theelectrical connector.
 23. The device of claim 22 in which each of the atleast two capacitors is configured to have a flat profile.
 24. Thedevice of claim 22 in which the electrical connector further comprises astamped metal piece with at least four wire-ways each shaped to receivea bare metal wire connector from an adjacent capacitor.
 25. The deviceof claim 24 in which the wire ways are arranged so that two wire waysconnect to a common electrical terminal on the stamped metal piece andeach of the two additional wires are split among a positive voltageterminal on the stamped metal piece and a negative voltage terminal onthe stamped metal piece.
 26. The device of claim 24 in which each wireway comprises a resilient restriction portion adapted to be coupled to awire by a centered press fit.
 27. The device of claim 22 furthercomprising a battery positioned in abutting relation to the capacitorhousings without the connector creating any margin between the capacitorhousings and the battery.
 28. An implantable medical device comprising:a first electrical component; a storage component for storing anddelivering electrical energy when needed, the storage componentcomprising at least two capacitors having electrical leads and eachbeing disposed within a housing, the housing of each capacitor havingperimeter surfaces that, when assembled, establish a component footprinthaving boundaries including a notched zone defined within an areabounded by intersecting linear extensions of at least two perimetersurfaces of each of the housings and at least one third surface of aperimeter portion of each of the housings, the notched zone beingadjacent the electrical leads of each of the at least two capacitors;and an electrical connector comprising one or more connection points forconnection to another component within the implantable medical device,the electrical connector being mounted to the storage componenthousings, the electrical connector electrically coupling the storagecomponent electrical leads with at least said first electricalcomponent, the storage component being shaped to receive the electricalconnector within boundaries of the component footprint and without anyconnection points of the electrical connector protruding beyondboundaries of the component footprint, wherein, within the notched zone,the electrical connector connects at least one electrical lead of eachof the at least two capacitors of the storage component to a commonconnection point in the electrical connector.
 29. The device of claim28, wherein the electrical connector is mounted to the storage componentby an adhesive material.
 30. The device of claim 28, further comprisingan insulator material extending over the electrical connector and atleast one of the perimeter surfaces of each of the housings.